January 14, 2022

Congresswoman Lee Issues Statement on New Funding for California Bridges Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) issued the following statement after the Biden-Harris Administration announced that California bridges will receive nearly $850 million in new funding this fiscal year, part of $4.2 billion in federal funding for the Golden State over the next five years from formula funding for bridges under in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:

“Thanks to the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration, this $27 billion dollar program—the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system—will modernize over 15,000 of America’s bridges, improve safety, support economic growth, and better people’s lives in both rural and urban communities alike. 

“Our physical infrastructure has long been neglected, including here in the East Bay. The $4.2 billion in new funding for California will allow us to rehabilitate over 1,500 bridges in need of repair while creating good-paying union jobs for our communities. Not only will this give peace of mind that commutes to work or school are safe, it will modernize our infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change and improve safety and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians. 

“This is just the beginning of the rollout of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the once-in-a-generation investment that will grow the economy, enhance U.S. competitiveness in the world, create good jobs, and make our transportation system more sustainable and equitable. I thank President Biden and Speaker Pelosi for their leadership and look forward to continuing to work with them on investing in this country’s human infrastructure and climate response.”

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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. She serves as Co-Chair of the Steering & Policy Committee, former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Chair Emeritus of the Progressive Caucus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Health Task Force, and Co-Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus. She also serves as Chair of the Majority Leader’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. As a member of the House Democratic Leadership, she is the highest ranking Black woman in the U.S. Congress.